*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 13:50, 17 September 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 21:52, 5 September 2024 (UTC)
In July 2010, Mena signed with Club Universidad de Chile, for a $500,000 fee for the half of his rights.[4] In his first season, Mena failed to break into a settled squad, appearing rarely. However, after the arrival of Jorge Sampaoli in 2011, Mena was converted into an important player of the La U squad. At the end of the season, he was a part of the squad which won Copa Sudamericana and Chilean Primera División.
On 3 July 2013, Mena signed a one-year loan deal with Brazilian Série A outfit Santos FC, with a buyout clause.[5] He quickly established himself as a starter, and on 5 June of the following year Peixe bought the remaining rights of the player.[6]
On 14 January 2015, Mena rescinded his contract Santos, after winning a court case due to unpaid wages.[7] Ten days later he agreed a deal with fellow league team Cruzeiro.[8]
On 7 September 2010, he made his debut with the full squad, in a 1–2 defeat against Ukraine. On 21 March 2012, he scored his first goal for La Roja, in a 3–1 win against Peru.
Mena was also one of the 23-men selected by manager Jorge Sampaoli for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He appeared in four matches during the tournament, all as a starter.